BOOK OF HOURS similar games & best alternatives
BOOK OF HOURS
2023
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Quick resume
Restore a crumbling occult library by a winter sea. Build the world’s foremost collection of grimoires and arcana. Master the invisible arts. BOOK OF HOURS is a narrative crafting RPG set in a 1930s world of hidden gods and secret histories. What sort of Librarian will you choose to be?
Global score
89/100
Genres
Indie, Role-playing (RPG), Simulator, Puzzle
Pros
- Deep, immersive lore and worldbuilding
- Relaxed, cozy atmosphere
- Engaging crafting and experimentation
- Rich narrative and exploration
- High replayability and player freedom
Cons
- Steep learning curve and opaque mechanics
- Clunky ui and navigation issues
- Tedious note-taking required
- Repetitive late-game progression
- Lack of in-game organization tools
Motivations
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Autonomy4
"Players have freedom to experiment, choose their own pace, and explore the library and lore without forced routines or time pressure."
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Competence3
"The game requires mastering complex mechanics, crafting, and puzzle solving, rewarding skillful experimentation and knowledge acquisition."
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Competition-4
"Focus is on personal discovery and pacing without competitive elements or comparison to others."
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Continuation4
"Many players report long sessions and habitual play due to addictive lore, exploration, and progression."
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Cooperation-3
"Gameplay is primarily single-player and self-directed with minimal social or cooperative interaction."
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Creativity4
"Players engage in extensive crafting, organizing, and experimenting with books and items, fostering creative problem solving."
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Domination-5
"Interactions are balanced and respectful; no evidence of exerting control or superiority over others."
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Escapism5
"Strongly serves as a cozy, immersive escape into a mysterious occult world, away from real-life stress."
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Expectation-4
"Players engage voluntarily out of intrinsic interest and curiosity, with no pressure or obligation."
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Experimenting5
"Core gameplay revolves around trial, error, and discovery of new combinations and mechanics."
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Exploration5
"Players uncover new rooms, secrets, and lore fragments in a large, mysterious mansion."
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Expression3
"Players customize and organize their library and collections, expressing personal style in arranging books and rooms."
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Fantasy4
"Set in an occult, mystical world with arcane lore and supernatural elements, evoking imaginative fiction."
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Fellowship-4
"Primarily a solo experience with minimal social or community engagement within gameplay."
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Growth4
"Players develop skills, knowledge, and understanding through reading, crafting, and experimentation."
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Health-4
"Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related mechanics."
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Idle-3
"Requires focused attention and active management rather than background or idle play."
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Intimacy-4
"Limited social interactions; relationships are minimal and surface-level."
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Leadership-5
"No leadership or authoritative roles; gameplay is self-directed without managing others."
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Progression5
"Strong emphasis on acquiring books, skills, and unlocking new areas and endings."
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Relaxation4
"Generally described as cozy, meditative, and relaxing despite some complexity."
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Sensation3
"Enjoyable art, sound design, and atmospheric effects provide sensory pleasure."
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Status-4
"No social recognition or status systems; focus is on personal achievement."
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Story4
"Rich lore and narrative fragments encourage immersion and piecing together the story."
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Strategy4
"Requires planning, problem solving, and logical thinking to progress and optimize."
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Thrill-3
"Lacks suspense or risk; gameplay is calm and controlled."
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Value4
"Players find great value in the deep lore, replayability, and immersive experience."
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Violence-5
"No combat or destruction; gameplay centers on constructive activities like cataloging and crafting."
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Survival-4
"No threat of failure or death; stable, low-risk environment."
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Last update: 06/03/2026